Do-It-Yourself Double Glazing Repairs
Double glazing can help keep a building warm, but it could also cause problems over time. Leaks, broken glass, or foggy windows are all problems which can cause energy loss, expensive repairs, and health issues.
FENSA certified installers are able to help you repair or maintain your double glazing to meet the energy efficiency standards of legal compliance and resale value.
Broken Panes
A damaged window could be a major issue, blocking light, air and perhaps even pests from entering your home. You can get an expert to fix the broken pane but you can also fix it yourself at a fraction of the cost an expert would charge.
You will need to remove the old window. To shield yourself from lead and glass dust shards, put on safety glasses, gloves and a mask. Install a sturdy surface in an area that is well ventilated. Place a dropcloth on the work surface to take any glass that falls when you remove it. Keep an HEPA vacuum in your vicinity to remove dust debris, debris, and hazardous waste as you work.
After the window has been removed and the old window is removed, use a knife to scrape away the old glazing putty. Be careful not damage the wooden frame of the window. If the old putty is stubborn, try using a heating gun to soften it prior to scraping it away with a knife. Wear safety goggles and be aware of getting hot glass or wood fragments in your eye when using a heating gun.
Then, you can make the frame ready to receive the new pane. Measure the opening and subtract 1/16 inch both ways to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood. Then, have your local hardware store cut a piece of double-strength glass that will fit the opening precisely. Before installing the new glass, dry-fit it to ensure it is snugly fitted.
Once you have the new glass in place, lay a small bead of latex caulk around the edges of the opening to create a good weather seal. Then, you can install the glazing points to keep the new pane in place. In general, you will only require two points on each side for standard sizes of window glass.
After the new glazing compound is dry and is dry, you can paint it to match the rest. If you're worried about the risk of cracks, you can apply a strong strip of masking tape to keep superficial cracks from getting worse.
Frames that are damaged
The first thing to do is look over the frame. You will need to have it professionally repaired if there are cracks or corrosion or rust or if the frame has broken into two pieces. Metal frames can't be glued together, and attempting to weld or solder them yourself will cause permanent damage.
If the frame is not too damaged, you can use a small brush and some detergent for conservation or water to clean the frame with care. This will get rid of any grease, dust or dirt that has built up over the years. A careful cleaning of old frames with ornate carving or gesso can reveal the gleaming original finish underneath the layers of dust.
If the frame has been damaged it will require needle-nose pliers and a flat surface, wood putty, sandpaper and a small clamp. Begin by getting rid of the glass, picture and back of the frame. Take care to remove the frame at the corners where you can see nails or brads. Open the joints and remove any glue that was used. Apply new glue.
Loose Compound
The glazing compound used to secure the glass panes inside their wooden frames is an essential element of the energy efficiency of any building. It seals the wood, bonds the glass to the frame and sheds moisture to avoid water damage in the course of time. The compound may break or have gaps that let air in which reduces insulation and causing higher utility bills. Make sure you are keeping track of the repair work of your double-glazed window to ensure they are operating smoothly.
The weatherstripping could be worn or loose if you notice drafts in the window frames. This seal can reduce the cost of energy and improve comfort. If you hear loud sounds outside, such as traffic or machinery, it could indicate that the glass tape is worn out.
Remove old tape from the edge of the frame and thoroughly clean the frame. Apply a piece of new tape to the frame edge and press it down. This tape can be found at any hardware store and is a cost-effective way to improve the performance of double-glazed windows.
Standard super glues are excellent for metal, wood and other common materials. However, they're not ideal for glass surfaces. Choose a glass-based glue like Loctite Extreme Glue Gel. This type of glue is made to resist UV light and moisture, which makes it the best choice for repairing double-glazed windows.
Before you start repairing your windows, you'll want to clean the surface of the frame and sash using a degreaser to ensure that the new glue adheres properly. Then prepare the area to be painted by priming it with an oil-based primer. Be sure to prime the entire surface, including the back of the sash where it rests in the frame.
While you can fix many issues with your double-glazed windows, if they are severely damaged or no longer offer adequate insulation, replacing them might be the best option. Get a professional handyman or glazier to help you make the best decision. Regularly checking and fixing your windows will ensure they appear their best and operate smoothly for many years to come.
Foggy Panes
Foggy windows occur when the window seal fails. This allows air to enter and slowly accumulate moisture between the glass panes. Foggy windows can trigger various issues, ranging from condensation and calcium deposits to black staining and fungus. It's not just ugly but also results in lower energy efficiency as well as increased heating or cooling costs. However, it is possible to correct the issue. Foggy windows are typically caused by a simple moisture buildup, so the initial step is to eliminate as much of the moisture as you can. This can be done by spraying a defogging agent or shaving cream. If these measures are not working then it's time to call an expert.
The reason double pane windows work is due to a space between them. This space is often filled with argon or krypton, which are non-toxic gasses that are more dense than air and could slow heat transfer even further. If the gas has escaped this means that your windows aren't insulated as they ought to be. Replacing your windows with new IGUs will not only fix the fogging issue, but will also boost your home's energy efficiency too.
Some homeowners believe that they must replace the entire window when fogging occurs, however this isn't the case in all cases. In fact some glass shops provide replacement of just the IGU, or insulating glass unit (IGU) without replacing the entire sash or frame. Door Glazier and Glazing margate is a less expensive option and can be just as efficient in fixing your windows.
While there are some DIY solutions to window condensation, such as defogging spray or shaving cream It is recommended to consult a professional ensure the job is done safely and correctly. A window repair expert will first cut holes into the glass and then inject a cleaning solution between the panes. They will then scrub the surface that has been soiled and dry the inside of the window, thus restoring its appearance and functionality. To learn more about this process, or to schedule a no pressure in-home consultation, contact an expert in your area for window replacement and repair.